Preliminary Documentation and Evaluation of the Scene

When conducting a crime scene assessment:

• Talk to the first responding officer regarding hid/her observations and activities
• Determine the entry and exit points to the crime scene
• Document every person who is entering and exiting the crime scene and evaluate any biohazardous safety issues that should be considered
• Identify possible locations and sources of DNA evidence
• Thoroughly document the scene with diagrams and photographs (with scale in view when appropriate)
• Document if evidence is wet or dry when discovered
• Document any bloodstain patterns, with reference points, before collection

These factors can be very important to the future investigation of the case.

NOTE: An alternative light source may be used to locate stains, such as semen and saliva, on evidence before the processing begins.

Back Forward